Steve Trachsel's journey through Major League Baseball is characterized by his steady presence on the mound and his reputation as a reliable starting pitcher. Born on October 31, 1970, in Oxnard, California, Trachsel attended Troy High School in Fullerton, California, before playing college baseball at Long Beach State University. His performance at Long Beach State caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 1991 MLB Draft.

Trachsel made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on September 19, 1993. Over the next several years, he established himself as a mainstay in the Cubs' rotation. Known for his deliberate pace on the mound, Trachsel earned the nickname "The Human Rain Delay." Despite this, he was effective in keeping hitters off balance with his mix of pitches. In 1996, he had a breakout season, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.03 ERA, earning him an All-Star selection.

One of the most memorable moments of Trachsel's career came on September 8, 1998, when he pitched for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals. In this game, Mark McGwire hit his record-breaking 62nd home run of the season off Trachsel, surpassing Roger Maris's long-standing single-season home run record. Despite being on the mound for this historic moment, Trachsel continued to pitch effectively for the Cubs.

After his tenure with the Cubs, Trachsel signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000. His time in Tampa Bay was brief, as he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays later that year. In 2001, Trachsel joined the New York Mets, where he would spend a significant portion of his career. With the Mets, he became known for his durability and ability to eat innings, often serving as a stabilizing force in the rotation.

Trachsel's stint with the Mets included several solid seasons, highlighted by his 2003 campaign when he won 16 games, the most in his career. He was a consistent performer, providing the Mets with quality starts and helping them remain competitive in the National League. In 2006, Trachsel played a role in the Mets' run to the postseason, contributing to their National League East division title.

In 2007, Trachsel returned to the Chicago Cubs for a brief period before finishing his career with the Baltimore Orioles. Over his 16-year career, Trachsel compiled a 143-159 win-loss record with a 4.39 ERA and 1,591 strikeouts. While he may not have been the flashiest pitcher, his longevity and ability to consistently take the ball every fifth day made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.

⚾